Your rights
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You have the right to a lawyer if you have been charged with a crime
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Your lawyer will meet with you to explain your options, answer your questions, and listen. Your lawyer will advocate for you at all court hearings, as well as file all necessary paperwork.
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You have the right to remain silent
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You do not have to answer questions from the police at all and we recommend that you do not. If the police try to ask you questions, you do not have to talk to them, and you should request to speak to your lawyer. Once this occurs, they must stop questioning you.
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You have the right to a jury trial
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If you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you have the right to demand a trial by jury. This means that jury members from the community will carefully review all evidence and decide whether you are not guilty or guilty. This means that you cannot be found guilty of a crime unless the jury finds you guilty by “proof beyond a reasonable doubt”.
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On your court date
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Please arrive early
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Make it to court before it begins. When you arrive, you must enter through court security. This takes time, which is another reason arriving to court early is important. Also, arriving early will give you the opportunity to speak with your attorney before court begins.
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Please keep in contact with your attorney. Please provide your phone number, your email address, and an additional contact person to your attorney. We empower our clients to make well-informed decisions about their case. The best way to do this is through open communication. Please update your attorney if your phone number or address changes.